Medical Inquiries and Observations, Vol. 1: The Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged by the AuthorRush, Benjamin
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Medical Inquiries and Observations, Vol. 1: The Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged by the Author
Rush, Benjamin
Medicine; Yellow fever -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia
3. WARM CLOTHING, more especially warm bed-clothes, are proper to
preserve or increase the heat of old people. From the neglect of the
latter, they are often found dead in their beds in the morning, after a
cold night, in all cold countries. The late Dr. Chovet, of this city,
who lived to be 85, slept in a baize night-gown, under eight blankets,
and a coverlet, in a stove-room, many years before he died. The head
should be defended in old people, by means of woollen, or fur caps, in
the night, and by wigs and hats during the day, in cold weather. These
artificial coverings will be the more necessary, where the head has been
deprived of its natural covering. Great pains should be taken likewise
to keep the feet dry and warm, by means of thick shoes[73]. To these
modes of applying and confining heat to the bodies of old people, a
young bed-fellow has been added; but I conceive the three artificial
modes which have been recommended, will be sufficient without the use of
one, which cannot be successfully employed without a breach of delicacy
or humanity.
[73] I met with one man above 80, who defended his feet from moisture
by covering his shoes in wet weather with melted wax; and
another who, for the same purpose, covered his shoes every
morning with a mixture composed of the following ingredients
melted together: lintseed oil a pound, mutton suet eight ounces,
bees-wax six ounces, and rosin four ounces. The mixture should
be moderately warmed, and then applied not only to the upper
leather, but to the soles of the shoes. This composition, the
old gentleman informed me, was extracted from a book entitled,
"The Complete Fisherman," published in England, in the reign of
queen Elizabeth. He had used it for twenty years in cold and wet
weather, with great benefit, and several of his friends, who had
tried it, spoke of its efficacy in keeping the feet dry, in high
terms.
II. To keep up the action of the system, GENEROUS DIET and DRINKS should
be given to old people. For a reason mentioned formerly, they should be
indulged in eating between the ordinary meals of families. Wine should
be given to them in moderation. It has been emphatically called the milk
of old age.
III. YOUNG COMPANY should be preferred by old people to the company of
persons of their own age. I think I have observed old people to enjoy
better health and spirits, when they have passed the evening of their
lives in the families of their children, where they have been surrounded
by grand-children, than when they lived by themselves. Even the
solicitude they feel for the welfare of their descendants, contributes
to invigorate the circulation of the blood, and thereby to add fuel to
the lamp of life.
IV. GENTLE EXERCISE. This is of great consequence in promoting the
health of old people. It should be moderate, regular, and always in fair
weather.
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